BEEVILLE — Responding to the increased number of citizens wanting to assist law enforcement officials and build a stronger partnership in the fight against crime, Sheriff Carlos Carrizales Jr. announced that Bee County citizens are being invited to become associate members of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas.

Membership invitations will go out in the mail over the next several weeks. Associate member funding allows the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas to provide critical training, technical resources and legislative support on key criminal justice issues to law enforcement officers across the state.

In addition, dues will be used to support crime prevention and awareness programs, promote public safety, fight drug abuse, provide additional training for sheriffs and their deputies, and provide scholarships for children of law enforcement officers.

Contributions to the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas are tax-deductible.

“The Associate Membership Drive helps provide the funding which is vital to our mission of making our communities safer places to live, work and play,” said Carrizales.

The Associate Membership Program was created to provide citizens with an opportunity to lend their support to more effective law enforcement and to better help local sheriffs protect the lives and property of citizens.

“During these economic times, the need for building stronger public-private law enforcement partnerships continues to escalate, and programs such as this continue to grow in importance,” said Carrizales. “I encourage every citizen receiving a membership appeal to consider joining forces with us by becoming an associate member. It is a valuable investment in our future.”

Citizens not receiving a membership appeal or desiring more information can contact the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas at 1601 S. IH-35, Austin, Texas 78741, or www.txsheriffs.org.

Founded in 1874, the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional and educational organization dedicated to the preservation of peace and the protection of the lives and property of the citizens of Texas.

Steve M. Westbrook serves as the executive director of the association, with headquarters in Austin. The Sheriffs’ Association of Texas does not make solicitations by telephone. If you receive a phone call from someone who uses the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas name, please report it to your local sheriff or county/district attorney.